It’s been said many times before but the top sides are often vulnerable on the weekend immediately after playing in Europe.
Two of those sides clash in the match of the weekend when Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield in Saturday’s early kick-off. Brendan Rodgers courted controversy by dropping/resting three of his star players for the Champions League match at Real Madrid in midweek. His players saved him to a certain extent by ONLY losing 1-0, although many Liverpool supporters were understandably disappointed.
Jose Mourinho started with Oscar and Costa on the bench in Maribor but sent them out for the second half in a game that produced quite a gripping second period. The coach has been critical of some of his fringe players in recent weeks and famously fielded a supposedly weakened side at Anfield last season. They went on to win 2-0 in a game that effectively handed the title back to Manchester City. I thought Willian played very well against Maribor until substituted and he could be worth a bet at 16-1 to be MOTM.
The rest of the weekend action is a bit tame in comparison with opportunities for Man United (v Crystal Palace) and Man City (v QPR) to bounce back from their respective disappointments. City look the more suspect after their disastrous defeat at home to CSKA Moscow with two players sent off. Even if Chelsea stumble at Anfield, it is no foregone conclusion that City will close the gap.
In fact, it could be Southampton that benefit as they are at home to struggling Leicester. Ronald Koeman is no fool and he knows that it is vital to accumulate as many points as possible while this rich vein of form continues. Pelle will give Leicester plenty of problems and he could be worth noting in the goal scorer markets.
Diafra Sakho’s back in action for West Ham after missing last week’s 2-2 draw at Stoke. He will again be a popular choice in the scorer markets but why change a winning formula? Aston Villa slumped to a sixth straight defeat against Spurs and this looks like three points for the Hammers.
Arsenal looked to be in cruise control against Anderlecht but somehow allowed a 3-0 lead to disappear. Arsene Wenger must surely have read the riot act after that second half collapse and they now face a tough game at Swansea on Sunday.
A red card in the match Liverpool v Chelsea @2-1 Skybet
Willian to be man of the match @16-1 Paddy Power
Graziano Pelle to score and Southampton to win @17-10 Paddy Power
Diafra Sakho to score and West Ham to win @11-4 BWin
West Ham to beat Aston Villa @8-11 Bet365
QPR (+2 handicap) v Man City @8-11 Ladbrokes
Swansea (+1 handicap) v Arsenal @4-5 Ladbrokes
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
